ISTANBUL, April 22 (Xinhua) -- As the international community observes Earth Day on Wednesday, Istanbul is turning to a combination of historic preservation and advanced technological innovation to address the mounting challenges of urban water management, according to a city official.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Safak Basa, director general of the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI), explained how the city is transforming its oldest infrastructure into a modern tool for water preservation.
"Earth Day serves as a vital reminder that we no longer have the luxury of viewing water sources merely as industrial assets. We must approach them as entire ecological basins," Basa said during a visit to the Terkos Water Civilizations Museum.
The site, which once housed the Ottoman Empire's first modern pump station in 1883, has been redesigned as a 70,000-square-meter complex dedicated to ecological education and sustainability.
"Terkos is a place where history meets nature. By protecting the unique dune forests that have filtered this lake since the 1960s, we are preserving a vital legacy," Basa said.
"Our goal is to use this center to foster 'water literacy' among the youth, ensuring they understand that every drop is part of a delicate global system," he added.
Because of climate change, Basa said, the heat island effect and erratic rainfall patterns have made climate adaptation a top priority.
"We are experiencing more frequent droughts followed by intense, sudden rainfall. To manage this, we are creating 'Life Valleys' -- green corridors that allow the city to breathe and manage storm water naturally," Basa explained.
Beyond nature-based solutions, the city is embracing the digital age. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and smart monitoring systems, Istanbul has reduced physical water loss from 22 percent to 18 percent in recent years, according to the official.
"Managing a metropolis of this scale requires both green vision and scientific creativity. We are utilizing AI to minimize our footprint and ensure sustainable access to water," Basa noted.
Drawing parallels with global urban development, Basa expressed keen interest in strengthening ties with Chinese metropolises.
"During my visits to Beijing and Shanghai, I observed how effectively China balances ancient tradition with rapid modernization. The challenges they face in water management for massive populations are very similar to our own," Basa said.
"Whether in the Pudong district or the Terkos basin, the goal is the same: resilience. We are highly open to collaborating with our Chinese counterparts to share technical expertise and find common solutions for a more sustainable future," he added. ■
